Press Release:
Softlink International
[July 17, 2012]

Digital resource use growing in schools across Australia and New Zealand

Brisbane, July 17, 2012. Australian and New Zealand schools are embracing the use of digital resources as more libraries, iCentres and classrooms incorporate eBooks, audiobooks, music and video in their teaching using OverDrive.

Softlink has been a driving force behind the growth of digital resources in Australia and New Zealand, since becoming authorised distributor of OverDrive, the leading global supplier of eBooks and audiobooks. In the past 12 months alone, over 250 schools in the region have subscribed to the OverDrive service through Softlink, with more expected to join with the opening of OverDrive's Australian office and the release of Next-generation service enhancements in the coming months.

More than 50% of schools in Australia use a Softlink KCLM system to manage their physical and digital resources and Oliver v5 is the latest offering. Oliver v5 is a 21st century web-based solution which offers seamless integration with OverDrive digital resources, to deliver a seamless experience across both physical and digital resources.

"OverDrive is being used in conjunction with Oliver to encourage student learning with the use of various forms of tablets and mobile technology. We've seen individual schools such as Brighton Grammar and large consortias such as Brisbane Catholic Education and the Diocese of Wollongong embracing the digital age with the use of both systems," said Mr Hillary Noye, Director of Business Development Asia Pacific.

"Softlink is proud to support literacy and learning with the distribution of OverDrive eBooks and audiobooks, as it encourages students to read and learn using the devices they use every day, anywhere, anytime."

Softlink partnered with OverDrive in 2011 to offer the School Download Library service to Australian schools and has since expanded their distribution to the Corporate and Academic organisations in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

For more information about Softlink and OverDrive, please visit www.softlinkint.com or contact sales@softlinkint.com (Australia) or sales@softlinkpacific.co.nz (New Zealand).

About Softlink

Softlink is a world-leading developer of Knowledge, Content and Library Management Systems, which are developed in the Brisbane head office and now installed in over 10,000 libraries in 108 countries covering ten major languages.

Solutions built with world-leading technology are strengthened by a range of local support services, delivered by Softlink's product experts, experienced library and IT specialists on staff.

Softlink have won two major export awards; The Premier of Queensland's Award for Export Excellence - Information Technology and the Australian Exporter of the Year – Information Technology.

For more information on Softlink and its Liberty and Oliver products, visit www.softlinkint.com

About OverDrive

OverDrive is a leading multichannel digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools, and retailers, serving millions of end users. OverDrive has been named to the EContent 100 as a company that matters most in the digital content industry. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com

Summary:

Australian and New Zealand schools are embracing the use of digital resources as more libraries, iCentres and classrooms incorporate eBooks, audiobooks, music and video in their teaching using OverDrive.